Independent Lens

Indie Films Series / 8 Seasons

Authentic stories. Extraordinary people.

Watch Latest: S26 E1

1h 16m / TV-PG

When the Drum is Beating: The Painful Truth of Haiti's Colon

1m 19s / TV-PG

In this excerpt from the Independent Lens documentary, When the Drum Is Beating, Professor Robert Fatton considers how the French colonists depended on African slave labor to achieve economic dominance -- and used the most brutal methods to dominate the men and women they enslaved.

Haiti's Best Known Band Keeps Hope Alive

2m 15s / TV-PG

For 60 years, Haiti's most popular band, Septentrional, has survived corrupt governments, revolutions, natural disasters, extreme poverty, and national tragedy. Its joyous fusion of Cuban and Haitian beats lifts and celebrates the indomitable Haitian spirit.

When the Drum is Beating: Despite Difficulties, Septentriona

1m 38s / TV-PG

In this excerpt from the Independent Lens documentary, When the Drum Is Beating, members of the band Septentrional hold a planning meeting to discuss how they can overcome the obstacles of limited resources and personnel.

When the Drum is Beating: Remembering the Glory Days of Cap-

2m 17s / TV-PG

In this excerpt from the Independent Lens documentary, When the Drum Is Beating, veteran members of the band Septentrional take a trip down memory lane in pre-earthquake Cap-Haitien.

You're Looking At Me Like I Live Here and I Don't: Making Mi

50s / TV-PG

Lee Gorewitz is a feisty, opinionated woman given to philosophical ruminations on the nature of things, even as she struggles to navigate the increasingly confused and confusing landscape of Alzheimer's disease. In this clip, she makes mischief during the activity period in the Alzheimer's care facility where she lives.

You're Looking at Me Like I Live Here and I Don't: Hanging O

1m 11s / TV-PG

In this clip from the film, feisty Alzheimer's patient Lee Gorewitz pinches a box of cereal from the staff and teases her fellow patients as a way to combat caginess in the care unit.

You're Looking at Me Like I Live Here and I Don't: Reinventi

1m 4s / TV-PG

Lee finds a birthday card but cannot recognize that she is the "Mom" to whom the card is addressed. Exasperated and missing her children, Lee embraces a make believe family of stuffed animals.

For Lee Gorewitz, Living With Alzheimer's is an Odyssey

1m 45s / TV-PG

Lee Gorewitz lives in a care facility for Alzheimer's patients, but she is not simply waiting to die. She is full of curiosity and frustration, struggling to remember herself and make sense of a world that is falling away from her.

Rose Mapendo Shares Her Story to Inspire Action

9m 47s

In this special educational module, Rose Mapendo, a woman whose family suffered severe hardships during violent conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, shares her story as a powerful way to inspire collective action that can bring about positive change.

Bhutto: The First Woman Leader of a Muslim Nation

7m 42s

This special educational module explores various elements of the context in which Benazir Bhutto became the first woman leader of a Muslim nation, including the status of women in Pakistan, the influences of Islam and the military on Pakistani politics, the leadership of her father, and her personal family life. In addition, we see the complexities of being a female leader in a Muslim country.

Bhutto - Preview

30s

A portrait of one of the most fascinating and complex figures of our time, Bhutto is the epic tale of the life and tragic death of Benazir Bhutto, who broke the Islamic glass ceiling as the first woman leader of a Muslim country. 3/8/2012

Women and Girls Lead: Meet Beverly

3m 24s

With more national championships than any other African American college coach, University of Texas track coach Beverly Kearney is used to breaking barriers. After an accident left her paralyzed, she learned to walk again, empowering other women to live by her motto: "Failure has never been an option." A Women and Girls Lead web exclusive.

Half the Sky: Desmond Tutu's Message About Manmade Customs

1m 18s

Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, Desmond Tutu explains how manmade customs need to be changed in order to include the talents of women and girls. He is a proud supporter of Women and Girls Lead -- a Public Media initiative designed to focus, educate, and connect audiences worldwide through film. A Women and Girls Lead web exclusive.

Women and Girls Lead: Meet Sonia

3m 9s

Sonia B. Castellanos: Sonia B. Castellanos is a real-life role model for young Latinas in central Texas. Just 1% of the Latinas in her community graduated high school when she started Con Mi MADRE. Last year, 97% of the program's seniors went on college. A Women and Girls Lead web exclusive.

Women and Girls Lead: Melanne Verveer Web Exclusive

1m 14s

Ambassador-at-large for Global Women's Issues, Melanne Verveer explains the payoff that comes from investing in women and girls. She is a proud supporter of Women and Girls Lead -- a Public Media initiative designed to focus, educate, and connect audiences worldwide through film. A Women and Girls Lead web exclusive.

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